Principal Tech Lead: Cloud-Native Python & API Architect

Sterlings; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterlings is seeking a Principal-level engineer to lead hands-on Python development for cloud-based APIs and integrations in a cloud-first environment.

You will shape architecture, collaborate with architects, product owners and delivery teams, and mentor engineers to raise technical capability. The role balances technical leadership with ongoing hands-on work and is based in London with 2–3 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Solid experience designing REST APIs and microservices.
• Proven ability to work with event-driven architectures.
• Strong cloud-native and serverless development skills.
• Experience guiding architecture and technical direction.
• Comfortable communicating complex concepts to varied audiences.
• Experience in Agile/Scrum/Kanban environments.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops scalable Python-based cloud apps, APIs and microservices.
• Leads architectural decisions and engineering standards across teams.
• Guides integration architectures in complex enterprise environments.
• Mentors engineers and raises technical capability across the team.
• Drives CI/CD, modernisation and automation initiatives.
• Collaborates with architects, product owners and senior stakeholders.

Skills

REST APIs

Microservices

Event-driven

Cloud-native

Serverless

Architectural direction

Agile/Scrum/Kanban

Communication

Azure DevOps

Tools

Azure Functions

Terraform

GitLab CI

IBM ACE/API Connect

Job description

Sterlings is seeking a Principal-level engineer to lead hands-on Python development for cloud-based APIs and integrations in a cloud-first environment.

You will shape architecture, collaborate with architects, product owners and delivery teams, and mentor engineers to raise technical capability. The role balances technical leadership with ongoing hands-on work and is based in London with 2–3 days in the office.